The Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, has announced the government’s plans to revamp the sporting sector through the improvement of sports infrastructure, the revival of secondary school sports, and the training and recruitment of new coaches across the state.
Speaking during a meeting with sports management and coaching staff at his office yesterday, Ekweremadu urged coaches to remain passionate and committed to their duties.
He commended their efforts, especially in light of the state’s improved performance at the recently concluded Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Ekweremadu noted that Enugu State had not recorded such an impressive outing at the national level since the 2006 edition of the festival, also hosted in Ogun.
He affirmed that all athletes and officials who won medals for the state will be duly rewarded as part of measures to boost morale and encourage further excellence.
As part of long-term plans to sustain this progress, the Commissioner disclosed that athletes would now undergo extended camping to ensure better preparedness for future competitions. He also revealed that the Ministry is collaborating with the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) to bring back robust secondary school sports programmes.
Additionally, he announced the Ministry’s plan to organize a Holiday Sports Programme this August, aimed at discovering and grooming talents that will represent the state at the Under-15 National Youth Games, scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State from August 29 to September 6, 2025.
During the meeting, Deputy Directors Denis Ani, Blaise Udeh, Clement Ejim, and Emeka Idoko appealed to the Commissioner to prioritize the revival of school sports, rehabilitate deteriorating facilities, recognize medal-winning athletes and coaches, and implement a consistent motivation system to improve overall performance in the sector.
In his remarks, Director of Coaching, Mr. Ephraim Ochomma, lamented the neglect of sports and coaching development by past administrations, which he said contributed significantly to the decline in the state’s sporting fortunes.
Enugu State To Upgrade Sports Facilities, Train And Recruit Coaches – Ekweremadu
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